Remembering my friend, Bob Burnsworth

By Steve Kimmel
Executive Director
Huntington County Chamber of Commerce

I would like to take a few moments to honor the memory of my friend, Bob Burnsworth. Bob was not only a friend to me, but also a cherished friend of the Huntington community.

Bob will be remembered for his gracious heart, unwavering generosity and the genuine kindness he extended to everyone he met. His warmth and compassion left a lasting impression on those who knew him. And, of course, no one who knew Bob will ever forget his unforgettable laugh.

He will always be the face of the Meal Ministry, where he never turned away anyone in need of a meal or a few dollars to help them get through a difficult time. Serving others wasn’t just something Bob did – it was who he was.

One of the things I’ll always remember about Bob was his determination to do things himself. Whether he was setting up his tent at Music in the City or loading his wheelchair into his truck, he insisted on doing it on his own. He believed he had to keep moving, and that determination was part of what made him so remarkable.

I will also always be grateful for Bob’s generosity during Music in the City. Year after year, he sponsored The Bulldogs because he loved their 50s and 60s music. He also found great joy in giving gifts to the children who attended the event, making their experience even more special.

Bob and his church, New Life Ministries, were a cherished part of the Heritage Days Hot Air Balloon Festival for many years. Throughout each festival, Bob could be found spending hours behind the grill, preparing and serving hamburgers to everyone who attended. It wasn’t simply something he did – it was a reflection of who he was. Bob had a servant’s heart, and he found genuine joy in caring for others. 

Bob was always among the first to volunteer for Christmas in the City. He happily served free hot chocolate, cookies, and one memorable year, even handed out slices of pumpkin pie. His willingness to help never wavered.

Another quality I admired was Bob’s honesty. He always told it like it was – not in a harsh or hurtful way, but with sincerity and conviction. You always knew exactly where he stood, and you respected him for it.

Bob quietly touched countless lives in our community in ways many of us may never fully know. As people begin sharing their stories, I believe we’ll discover just how many hearts he impacted through his compassion and selfless acts of kindness.

Perhaps most importantly, Bob never missed an opportunity to share his faith and tell others about Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. His love for the Lord was evident in the way he lived and the way he served others.

I will miss our conversations, his wonderful sense of humor, his generous spirit and his willingness to step in whenever someone needed help. Most of all, I will miss the time I was blessed to spend with my friend.

Rest in peace, Bob. Thank you for the example you set and the lives you touched. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy of faith, kindness and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew you.